Cestius Gallus
Cestius Gallus was the Roman governor of Syria, from 63 to 67 CE, under Emperor Nero.
Biography
In 63 CE, the Emperor Nero appointed Cestius Gallus as Roman Governor of Syria. In 65 CE Cestius visited Jerusalem where he heard complaints against the Roman Governor Florus, but took no decisive action. The situation at Jerusalem quickly deteriorated.
In 66 CE, at the outset of the Jewish War, Cestius made an unsuccessful attempt to restore order in Judea. He led the Twelve Legion, stationed in Antioch, to Ptolemais and Caesarea Maritima. The Roman army razed Chabulon, Joppa, Antipatris, and Lydda, before arriving to Jerusalem. It was a trap. Surrounded by rebel forces and surprised by the extent of the rebellion, Cestius was forced to a disastrous withdrawal, which left the whole Judea defenseless in the hands of the rebels, with the exception of the fortified coastal towns.
Cestius died in 67 CE shortly after his return to Syria.
Cestius in ancient sources
Suetonius, Life of Vespasian
...the rebellious Jews... murdered their Governor, routed the Governor of Syria when he came down to restore order, and captured an Eagle...
Tacitus, Histories V
...the endurance of the Jews lasted till Gessius Florus was procurator. In his time the war broke out. Cestius Gallus, legate of Syria, who attempted to crush it, had to fight several battles, generally with ill-success. Cestius dying, either in the course of nature, or from vexation...